49 National Entrepreneurs Conduct Comparative Study in Central Java, Explore Collaboration and Investment
SEMARANG — A total of 49 entrepreneurs from various regions in Indonesia conducted a comparative study at several companies in Central Java. The visit also aimed to target investment and collaboration opportunities.
The entrepreneurs, participating in the Disway Explore Business with Dahlan Iskan Central Java Series, were hosted by Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi at Grhadika Bhakti Praja Semarang on Thursday evening (18/6/2026).
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi expressed gratitude for the entrepreneurs’ visit to conduct the comparative study. He stated that the investment climate in Central Java is highly conducive and supported by various enabling factors.
Based on 2025 data, realised investment in Central Java reached Rp110.02 trillion. In the first quarter of 2026, it had already penetrated Rp23 trillion, with an additional approximately Rp15 trillion for the development of an integrated electric vehicle industry in Kendal.
These factors are also supported by the existence of established industrial zones spread across several regions. These include the Batang Industropolis Special Economic Zone (KEK), the Kendal Industrial Zone, and industrial areas in Semarang, Demak, and others. In fact, around 12 regions have already proposed new industrial zones or economic areas.
Additionally, the number of business units in Central Java is recorded at 4.93 million. This comprises large and medium enterprises totalling 56,286 units, and approximately 4.8 million MSMEs. Some of these businesses are already exporting products to various countries.
“I have explained that Central Java is captivating. Not investing in Central Java would be a loss,” Luthfi asserted.
Meanwhile, the event pioneer and companion to the 49 entrepreneurs, Dahlan Iskan, assessed that Central Java’s current condition has developed significantly compared to several years ago. This is marked by the province’s increasingly improved infrastructure. Evidence of this is the many industrial zones standing along the North Coast of Central Java. This is due to the optimal efforts made by the governor.
According to him, it is the excellent infrastructure support and investment climate in Central Java that attract many investors. Also contributing are the region’s conduciveness and the good support from the local government. Consequently, many entrepreneurs place their trust in investing in this province.
Given these conditions, Dahlan Iskan brought dozens of entrepreneurs to visit several large companies in Central Java. On Thursday, 18 June 2026, three companies had already been visited: Halo BCA in Semarang, a furniture factory whose entire production is exported worldwide, and the Polytron factory which produces electronic devices and is now ramping up production of electric motorcycles.
“Everyone is visiting Central Java, tomorrow (Friday) to Sido Muncul, to gain more insight and inspiration on how to develop a business. In my observation, these businesspeople or entrepreneurs are the most resilient people; when they fall and experience hardship, they will rise again,” Dahlan concluded.